Norwegian Forest Cat: The longhair of Norse myth and legend

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a longhaired cat from the forests of the far north, its thick fluffy coat making it look thoroughly cold-proof. Legend even links it to Norse myth: the goddess Freyja's chariot was said to be pulled by two large cats, thought to be Norwegian Forest Cats. Let's meet it.

Its body

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a water-shedding double coat: an outer layer of glossy guard hairs that keeps off rain and snow, and an inner layer of warm down. In spring it sheds that thick "winter jacket" and looks much lighter. Its body is sturdy, its legs long, and its tail bushy, like a big brush. These features make it perfectly suited to cold Nordic forests.

Its skills and personality

It is an expert climber — not only can it race up a tree, it can also descend head-first, slowly and safely, which many cats cannot do. Its nature is gentle and independent: happy to be close to its human, yet also content to be quietly on its own, without being clingy.

Where it came from

Norwegian Forest Cats have lived in Scandinavian forests for centuries and are a naturally developed breed. They adapted to the cold Nordic climate and left many legends in local culture. Today it is a documented breed and one of the symbols of Nordic nature.

A note for grown-ups

You could talk with a child about cats in myth: why did a Norse goddess have cats pull her chariot? Showing a child that animals have always been part of human culture and stories is a lovely way to learn. Loving a cat can also mean getting to know the stories behind it.